Vase Assembly

ABSTRACT

An apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an opening configured to receive the decorative object. The apparatus includes a base configured to provide support for the vase. The apparatus includes a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/913,234, titled “VASE ASSEMBLY,” filed on Oct. 10, 2019. This application incorporates the entire contents of the foregoing application herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates generally to a vase, and more particularly to a vase assembly. Specifically, this disclosure relates a vase configured to hold a decorative object, wherein the vase comprises an opening into which the decorative object is inserted, a base that provides support for the vase, and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base.

BACKGROUND

Vase's are often utilized to hold one or more flowers or bouquets of flowers in order to provide for a useful water source for cut flowers. Choosing the correct vase can help a flower arrangement keep its form for the most attractive display throughout your event, and it will help support blooms in the best position. Various styles and types of vases have been developed around the world in different time periods, such as Chinese ceramics and Native American pottery. Vases in general have evolved in order to provide for decorative pieces of art that serve the purpose of not only holding multiple flowers, but also being decorative valuable pieces as well. Often times, current available vases in the art are limited in simply only being decorative or only holding multiple flowers, but does not provide a means of storage.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,244,700 describes a centerpiece assembly in which an array of floral-like elements is supported on a rack to simulate a bouquet of cut flowers. Each element in the array has a stem formed by a transparent tubular wand filled with pellets of candy whose color imparts color to the stem. The lower end of the wand is provided with a removable stopper, the upper end having a decorative flower-like pom-pom attached thereto. The rack, fabricated of transparent material, is composed of a base plate having a center post anchored thereon on which are supported at least two-tier plates, one above the other, each tier having a ring of equi-spaced holes therein coaxial with the center post. The upper tier ring has a diameter greater than that of the lower tier ring, whereby each hole in the upper ring is spaced a greater distance from the post than the corresponding hole in the lower ring. The wand of each floral-like element is inserted into a respective hole in the upper ring and the corresponding hole in the lower ring, with its lower end resting on the base, whereby the elements of the array are outwardly inclined and converge at the base to simulate a bouquet of cut flowers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,145,245 describes a universal floral bouquet assembly secures a keepsake to a floral bouquet arrangement. In particular, a container is provided having an upright probe projecting vertically from the center of the container. Floral foam that receives a bouquet of flowers is pressed into and through the probe. A receptacle associated with the keepsake frictionally engages the opposite end of the probe to securely support the keepsake above the floral arrangement. The receptacle may be integral to the base of the keepsake or may be a component of a transition piece, called an intermediate support, upon which the keepsake, such as a cylindrical candle, is secured. The supporting components are inexpensive to manufacture and ship, simple to assemble, provide firm support for the assembled arrangement during its transportation, and are small and unobtrusive, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing, but inexpensive floral/bouquet arrangement. The components are also reusable for those applications that require this feature.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,609 describes a floral arrangement assembly for efficiently creating a customizable arrangement of flowers and vases. The floral arrangement assembly generally includes a base unit having a plurality of receptacles, a plurality of tubular members removably positioned within the plurality of receptacles, a plurality of vessels positioned within the plurality of tubular members, and a plurality of retainers for securing the plurality of vessels to the plurality of tubular members. The tubular members and vessels are retained in a substantially upright position. The vessels are adapted to receive and retain a plurality of decorative flowers. The assembly may also be used without the base unit in one embodiment or without the vessels and retainers in another embodiment. The tubular members may additionally hold a plurality of decorative objects below the vessels for added décor. Further, a light may be positioned below the tubular members within the base unit for illuminating the assembly.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,132,932 describes a portable combination dishware set comprising a first surface comprising a female part and a second surface comprising a male part of a fastening mechanism. The female part comprises a circular recess that forms a protuberance on the first surface, the protuberance terminating in a raised circular periphery, the raised circular periphery comprising a number of inwardly extending locking brackets, each locking bracket comprising an inner arcuate edge that joins the raised circular periphery at the first end of the inner arcuate edge and at the second end of the inner arcuate edge, and a locking channel situated directly underneath the arcuate edge of each locking bracket. The male part comprises a number of locking members, each comprising a vertical extension that connects the locking member to the second surface and a horizontal portion that extends partially around an outer circumference of a circular protrusion on the second surface.

U.S. Application No. 20100224642A1 describes a rotatable centerpiece provides a decorative element for displaying and serving food items on a dining table with reconfigurable and interchangeable components. The centerpiece provides connectable containers for food, condiments, nuts and the like, and decorative items such as flowers, arrangements or fish in water. A base assembly includes a turntable and a platter or bowl. The platter or bowl is removably engaged with the turntable. The base assembly supports other upper components, such as a bud stem or vase, a globe, a brandy snifter, a pillow disk and/or a dip bowl, which may be arrayed in numerous interlocking configurations.

The above described vases generally provide for a vase assembly that includes a flower vase (or hollow tube) connected to a food dish (or container) that laterally protrudes from the bottom of the vase. The references also describe a flower vase that protrudes above a base and serving dishes that laterally slide in and out of a base.

However, none of the above described references describe a vase with a rotatably coupled dish that rotates between a vertical position in which the cavity faces the vase and a lateral position in which the cavity faces upward, much less a detachable dish or multiple dishes that fold and unfold in the same manner.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, present invention provides for an apparatus includes a vase configured to hold a decorative object. The vase includes an opening into which the decorative object is inserted, a base that provides support for the vase, and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus also includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase and configured to rotate between a first position substantially parallel to the body and a second position substantially perpendicular to the body.

In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an opening configured to receive the decorative object. The apparatus includes a base configured to provide support for the vase. The apparatus includes a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

In one embodiment, the storage container is configured to rotate between a first position, wherein the storage container is configured to be positioned inward in a closed positioned substantially parallel to the body; and a second position, wherein the storage container is configured to open outward substantially perpendicular to the body.

In one embodiment, the storage container comprises of multiple openings positioned around the body of the vase.

In one embodiment, the multiple openings comprise of one or more pedestals radially disposed and centered about the base of the vase.

In one embodiment, each of the one or more pedestals are configured to open in the first position, and close in the second position.

In one embodiment, each of the one or more pedestals are configured to be secured in a first position via a securing device.

In one embodiment, each of the one or more pedestals are configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via a hinge.

In one embodiment, each of the multiple openings comprises of a serving dish.

In one embodiment, the serving dish is removably attached.

In one embodiment, each of the pedestals are configured to fold out and display multiple dishes around the base of the vase.

In one embodiment, the opening further comprises a receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is elongated from a top portion of the vase, to the base of the base.

In one embodiment, the receiving portion is funnel shaped.

In one embodiment, at least two other storage containers.

In one embodiment, the vase is one or more of ceramic, glass, wood, aluminum, brass, bronze, or stainless steel.

The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter.

This summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein.

Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Disclosed herein are embodiments of a vase assembly. This description includes drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of a vase assembly, in accordance with an example; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one of the pedestals of the vase assembly, in accordance with an example.

Elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and/or relative positioning of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention.

Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are often not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. Certain actions and/or steps may be described or depicted in a particular order of occurrence while those skilled in the art will understand that such specificity with respect to sequence is not actually required.

The terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary technical meaning as is accorded to such terms and expressions by persons skilled in the technical field as set forth above except where different specific meanings have otherwise been set forth herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the embodiments set forth herein.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit of essential characteristics thereof.

The present embodiments therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The following description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of exemplary embodiments. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The present disclosure provides for a vase configured to hold a decorative object. The vase includes an opening into which the decorative object is inserted, a base that provides support for the vase, and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus also includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase and configured to rotate between a first position substantially parallel to the body and a second position substantially perpendicular to the body.

Accordingly, an apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, is disclosed. The apparatus includes an opening configured to receive the decorative object. The apparatus includes a base configured to provide support for the vase. The apparatus includes a body extending vertically between the opening and the base. The apparatus includes a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the vase assembly 100. The vase assembly 100 in a preferred embodiment is configured to be wider at the bottom of the assembly 100, and narrower at the top of the assembly 100. The top of the assembly 100, as shown in FIG. 2 is configured to be smaller in order to tightly withhold a group or a bouquet of flowers in a neat and orderly fashion. The base being wider, allows for stability and a more consistent and evenly distributed weight load to prevent the vase from tipping over.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a vase assembly 100. The vase assembly 100, in one embodiment, may function as a vase, and when desired, also function as a party tray for holding edible items. Accordingly, the vase assembly 100 may eliminates the need to buy a separate vase and party tray. The vase assembly 100, in certain embodiments, is compact, simple to use, and convenient. The vase assembly 100 is configured to hold a decorative object, such as real flowers, artificial flowers, and so forth. In one embodiment, the vase assembly 100 may hold water such that real flowers may receive water while in the vase assembly 100. In another embodiment, the vase assembly 100 may not hold water. The vase assembly 100 includes an opening 102 into which the decorative object is inserted, a base 104 that provides support for the vase assembly 100, and a body 106 extending vertically between the opening 102 and the base 104. The vase assembly 100 also includes a receiving portion 108 disposed at the top of the body 106 opposite the base 104 and having the opening 102. In some embodiments, the receiving portion 108 may be funnel-shaped and may have a wavy surface.

The vase assembly 100 includes a first storage container 110, a second storage container 112, a third storage container 114, and a fourth storage container 116 rotatably coupled to the base 104. In certain embodiments, the storage containers may be rotatably coupled to the body 106. Although four storage containers are attached to the vase assembly 100, other embodiments may include fewer or more storage containers. The first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be used to hold items, such as edible items.

As illustrated, the first and third storage containers 110 and 114 are in a first position substantially parallel to the body 106. The first position may be used as a storage position when the storage containers are not being used. Moreover, the second storage container 112 is in a second position substantially perpendicular to the body 106. The second position may be used as a use position when the storage containers are being used, such as during a party. In certain embodiments, each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may include a cover 118 that may be positioned over the storage containers to cover items in the storage containers. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may rotate between the first and second position via a hinge that couples the storage containers to the base 104. Moreover, each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 may be removed from the vase assembly 100, as the fourth storage container 116 illustrates. Being able to remove the storage containers facilitates cleaning the storage containers.

In certain embodiments, a securing device (e.g., a hook) may be used to secure the storage containers in the first position. Accordingly, to use the storage containers, the securing device may be disabled (e.g., unhook a hook), and the storage containers may be folded to the second position. To transition from the second position to the first position, the securing device may be enabled (e.g., via a hook). In certain embodiments, the vase assembly 100 may be approximately 12 inches in height and approximately 8.75 inches in diameter. In other embodiments, the height and diameter may be any suitable value. As may be appreciated, the vase assembly 100 may have various shapes, sizes, colors, and designs.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the vase assembly 100. As may be appreciated, the vase assembly 100 may be assembled by: inserting the body 106 into the base 104; placing the receiving portion 108 over the body 106; attaching the covers 118 to each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116; and attaching each of the first, second, third, and fourth storage containers 110, 112, 114, and 116 to the base 104.

In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.”

Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item.

Example embodiments having thus been described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the intended spirit and scope of example embodiments, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of various embodiments, it is not intended that the invention be limited to these embodiments. Modification within the spirit of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It is additionally noted and anticipated that although the device is shown in its most simple form, various components and aspects of the device may be differently shaped or modified when forming the invention herein. As such those skilled in the art will appreciate the descriptions and depictions set forth in this disclosure or merely meant to portray examples of preferred modes within the overall scope and intent of the invention and are not to be considered limiting in any manner. While all of the fundamental characteristics and features of the invention have been shown and described herein, with reference to particular embodiments thereof, a latitude of modification, various changes and substitutions are intended in the foregoing disclosure and it will be apparent that in some instances, some features of the invention may be employed without a corresponding use of other features without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth. It should also be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus of a vase operable to hold a decorative object, the apparatus comprising: an opening configured to receive the decorative object; a base configured to provide support for the vase; and a body extending vertically between the opening and the base; and a storage container rotatably coupled to the vase.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, the storage container is configured to rotate between: a first position, wherein the storage container is configured to be positioned inward in a closed positioned substantially parallel to the body; and a second position, wherein the storage container is configured to open outward substantially perpendicular to the body.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the storage container comprises of multiple openings positioned around the body of the vase.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the multiple openings comprise of one or more pedestals radially disposed and centered about the base of the vase.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to open in the first position, and close in the second position.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to be secured in a first position via a securing device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the one or more pedestals are configured to rotate between the first position and the second position via a hinge.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each of the multiple openings comprises of a serving dish.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the serving dish is removably attached.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the pedestals are configured to fold out and display multiple dishes around the base of the vase.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the opening further comprises a receiving portion, wherein the receiving portion is elongated from a top portion of the vase, to the base of the base.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the receiving portion is funnel shaped.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least two other storage containers.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vase is one or more of ceramic, glass, wood, aluminum, brass, bronze, or stainless steel. 